Why did the FTSE 100 fall on Wednesday, and which sector was the worst performer?

The FTSE 100 fell 0.1% to 10,515.73 points by 1013 GMT due to investor caution over escalating Middle East tensions; the worst-performing sector was precious metals miners, which declined 2.3%, with Fresnillo and Endeavour Mining falling 2.8% and 2% respectively.

What drove gains in the energy sector despite the broader market dip?

Energy stocks rose 0.3% as oil prices climbed around 2% after U.S. President Donald Trump reimposed a naval blockade on all Iranian ports and Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps threatened to close 'all other export corridors that benefit the U.S. and its allies'.

UK's FTSE 100 slips on Middle East tensions, miners drag

Jul 15, 2026

London's FTSE 100 dipped amid Middle East tensions, weighed down by precious metal miners despite rising oil prices boosting energy stocks. Rio Tinto gained on strong iron ore sales, while Fresnillo and Endeavour Mining led sector losses.

reuters

2026-07-15

UK's FTSE 100 slips on Middle East tensions, miners drag

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